5-25. The protection warfighting function is the related tasks and systems that preserve the force so the commander can apply maximum combat power to accomplish the mission. Commanders incorporate protection when they understand and visualize threats and hazards in an operational environment. This allows them to synchronize and integrate all protection capabilities to safeguard bases, secure routes, and protect forces. Preserving the force includes protecting personnel (combatants and noncombatants) and physical assets of the United States, unified action partners, and host nations. The protection warfighting function enables the commander to maintain the force’s integrity and combat power. Protection determines the degree to which potential threats can disrupt operations to counter or mitigate those threats before they can act. However, protection is not a linear activity—planning, preparing, executing, and assessing protection is a continuous and enduring activity. Effective physical security measures, like any defensive measures, overlap and deploy in depth. Prioritization of protection capabilities are situationally dependent and resource-informed. Protection activities include developing and maintaining the protection prioritization list.